A coalition of 13 states, led by California and Oregon, along with Washington, D.C., is suing TikTok, accusing the platform of intentionally designing its app to be addictive to kids. The lawsuits claim that TikTok’s endless scrolling, push notifications, and face filters are contributing to rising rates of anxiety, depression, and body dysmorphia among young users. [Education Week]
Why it matters: TikTok’s algorithm is at the center of the legal battle. The lawsuits argue that the platform uses a “dopamine-inducing” design to keep children hooked, despite knowing the psychological harm it causes. State attorneys general say TikTok’s tactics drive up profits while putting youth at risk of long-term mental health issues like self-harm and depression.
What they’re saying:
- Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum stated, “Social media companies, out of basic greed, intentionally design their platforms to addict users and keep them scrolling. It is our youth who are most harmed by these predatory practices.” [Oregon Public Radio]
- TikTok spokesperson Alex Haurek said the claims are “inaccurate and misleading,” pointing to existing safety features like screen-time limits and privacy controls for minors. [Education Week]
The big picture: These lawsuits are part of a broader push to regulate how social media platforms interact with young users. Schools, which have seen the effects of these platforms in student mental health crises and damaging trends like vandalism challenges, are watching closely. TikTok could face heavy financial penalties and be forced to change its design.
What’s next: The states are seeking to halt TikTok’s addictive practices and impose fines. With similar lawsuits against Meta and YouTube, this could signal a larger shift in how tech companies engage with children. For schools, a ruling in favor of the states could bring relief as they struggle to support students’ mental health.
